Margaret Ann “Peggy” Cannon, age 90, of Dubuque, Iowa, and formerly of Grand Junction, Colorado, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at St. Columbkille Catholic Church, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. with Monsignor Jim Miller officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, Iowa, is assisting the family.

Peggy was born on October 19, 1934, in Bernard, Iowa, to William M. and Margaret (Fagan) Cannon. She graduated from St. Columbkille High School in 1952, where she was active in school clubs, events, and Girl Scouts. Her early career included work with the local Boy Scout Office and Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. She enrolled in the Archdiocese of Dubuque Lay Extension Volunteer Program, which led her to Colorado, a place she would call home for the next seven decades.

Peggy dedicated 35 years of her life to St. Mary’s Catholic Hospital in Grand Junction, serving as Manager of Human Resources and Risk Management. Her work was a ministry of compassion and care. She gave generously of her time, resources and heart to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Grand Valley Catholic Outreach, and many other charitable organizations. Her Catholic faith was the basis of her life and she celebrated it daily.

Peggy embraced life with joy . She loved walking, hiking, running, traveling the world, savoring fine wine, reading poetry, and engaging in meaningful conversation. Her Irish heritage was a source of great pride, and her legendary St. Patrick’s Day parties were a celebration of culture, laughter, and love. Though Colorado held her heart for many years, she never stopped cherishing her Iowa roots. In 2024, Peggy returned to Dubuque, where she spent her final year surrounded by family and spending time with her sister, Connie.

Peggy is survived by her sister, Connie (Joe) Link; her nieces and nephews: William (Lynn) Miller, Jim Miller, Michael (Ronnie) Jelen, John (Lauren) Link, and Ann Link (Steve) Hartkop; and many grand-nieces and nephews. She is also survived by longtime friends in Colorado, Lois Fisher and Ruth Michels, who were family to her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Margaret Cannon; her sisters, Monica Miller and Marie Jelen; and brothers-in-law, Robert Miller and Adam Jelen; and nieces Patricia Miller and Jackie (Miller) Erps.

Memorials are directed to St. Columbkille Catholic Church, Hospice of Dubuque, Stonehill Care Center, or a charity of your choice. The family is grateful to the staff of Assisi Village and Stonehill Care Center for their compassionate care. Peggy’s life was rich with friendships, love, and laughter. She touched many lives and will be missed by those who knew her.

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.”